Organizers of the third edition of the Sirikwa cross Country have introduced a 2km loop that will help in selecting a mixed relay team ahead of Africa Cross country championships.
With the Sirikwa cross country set for this Saturday at the Lobo Village in Kapseret, Uasin Gishu County, the selected team will represent the country at the continental championships that will be staged on February 26 in Tunisia.
Race secretary Kennedy Tanui said that apart from Athletics Kenya selecting the other events like the under 20 boys and girls and senior events, the 2km will be crucial for them in relays.
“There will be a 2km loop, the fastest race on the course on that to help us pick the best two men and women for the mixed relays. At the same time, we shall have one reserve athlete in each gender,” said Tanui.
At the same time, 578 athletes, both local and foreign have confirmed their participation at the race.
Out of the confirmed athletes, senior men have taken the lion’s share with 204 athletes followed by senior women at 148. The under 20 boys stands at 115 and 111 for the girls as at Monday 2pm.
“These four categories were invited to compete at the race. They both consist of local and foreign athletes who will be testing the course come Saturday,” said Tanui.
He insisted that all the athletes will have to collect their running numbers on Friday ahead of the Saturday race.
“We want to insist on collecting their running bibs to avoid unnecessary congestion come Saturday morning of the race,” he said.
The event, which have kids athletics, starting from 5years to 15 years will be run in three categories on both gender.
There event will start with 13-16 years boys and girls, 9-12 years boys and girls, the 5-8 8 years before the main event.
“Apart from the kits athletics, we shall have 50 and 60 years and above for the women and men followed by the 2km men and women mixed relays and we start the international races at 1pm. The international races consists of the 6km under 20 women, 8km under 20 men, then the 10km senior women and finally the 10km senior men,” explained Tanui.